1. Unique Mammalian Characteristics:
Hair or
Fur

2. Basic Structures of Fur

4. Scale Patterns
Deer Mink
Caribou Elk Moose

5. Functions of Fur Regulate Body Temperature: Endotherms! Insulation
Water Proofing
Protect skin from sunlight
Camouflage
Sense organ
Defense

6. If the polar bear has clear fur, how do they absorb sunlight for heat????

7. DARK SKIN COLOR TO ABSORB HEAT!!

8. Insulation Hair is hollow to provide insulation
Heat is kept close to the body

9. Water Proofing
Very soft, insulated under coat which protects the outer layer of long guard hairs
The outer layer traps air to keep them dry and warm underwater

10. Sun protection
Mammals have hair to protect their skin from sunlight as well
If animals didn’t have fur/hair sun burning would occur

11. Camouflage Mammals use their fur to help them hide from predators
The snowshoe hare is white during the winter to help blend in with the snow, and brown during the spring/summer time to help blend in to the forest

12. Defense
The echidna has sharp spines or quills to defend themselves from predators

13. Defense
Porcupine
Quills will release from body when another animal attacks

15. Warning Coloration!

16. Sensory Organ Many mammals have whiskers
Used as a sensory organ when sight can not be used to navigate

18. Review!!! Name 3 functions of mammal fur/hair.
Explain a defense mechanism using fur/hair.
Name a specific “modified” hair.